We got approval from the Country Club at Woodmoor to groom a small (2.5-3.5Km?) trail/loop that will be very similar to our 'Blue-Black connector'--a slightly sloped ski loop on the driving range, plus an out and back trail just off the fairways that drops downhill south and then back uphill north to our snowmobile trailer. (The fairways are still off-limits as all the golf posts/signage are still there, which pose a safety hazard to skiers and our grooming equipment). I've snowmobile tracked the approved loop today (photo), and we will perform new groomer training on the trail tomorrow morning, and should have the trail groomed and open by 9am.
Open Snow is predicting 8-14" of additional snow starting tomorrow morning, and as are result the Country Club at Woodmoor will be closed (and no daily trail passes can be purchased). But current Season Pass holders or Country Club members will still have access to this early season loop! (Please make sure your pass is visible). Although the snow depth is good, most of this trail is not on the nice, grass-covered fairways, so rock skis (or at least not new skis) would be advised. Additionally, this is our 'blue-black' loop, so only experienced skiers who have skied here before are suggested to join us on the trails. Best to park at the upper lot (to the right of the entry road from Woodmoor Drive), and then cross the road as if you are going to the 'green loop', but instead follow the snowmobile-packed trail down the Driving Range loop. PLEASE DO NOT walk/ski across the typically groomed sections for both your safety and to not jeopardize our abilty to have local ski trails here!
The club should be open Saturday (pending the storm intensity/duration), and if so, they will be able to sell day passes to the local public, although our rental shop will NOT be open yet (still seeking additional volunteers and the required training), so only experienced skiers with their own equipment should plan to come Saturday.
Our best local ski season (over 60 days of skiing) occurred in 2015-'16, and tomorrow's opening will be several weeks earlier than that record-setting year. Much of the snow from this storm will melt out, but on the shaded, North-facing slopes, most of it will not, so this early season storm could be setting us up for our best season ever! Think Snow!
Comments